Nitin Gadkari's Bold Remarks Challenge Economic Policies Amid Rising Poverty
Gadkari's Surprising Statements in Nagpur
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, caught many off guard during an event in Nagpur, the home of the RSS headquarters, by voicing concerns over the increasing number of impoverished individuals. He highlighted that wealth is becoming increasingly concentrated among a select few. Gadkari emphasized the necessity for wealth decentralization and addressed various topics, including agriculture, manufacturing, taxation, and public-private partnerships in infrastructure. His comments resembled those of an Opposition leader, as he noted the growing number of poor and the centralization of wealth. This is particularly noteworthy given Gadkari's reputation as a trusted figure within the BJP and the RSS, especially during a time when the party is in the process of selecting a new president.
The announcement regarding the new party president is anticipated after Prime Minister Modi returns from his foreign trip on July 10. The current president, JP Nadda, has been in office for two years, and the timeline for his successor's election remains unclear. At this pivotal moment, Gadkari's statements seem to challenge the narrative presented by the Prime Minister regarding the nation's economy, which is valued in trillions, while employment levels have regressed to figures not seen in four decades. The Opposition has long criticized the BJP for its economic strategies, which they argue have led to 'jobless growth,' where the affluent continue to prosper while the poor struggle. Gadkari's remarks resonate with this criticism, advocating for an economy that fosters job creation and uplifts rural communities.
He also commended former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Dr. Manmohan Singh for their liberal economic policies—a recognition that the current government is often reluctant to acknowledge—while warning against unchecked centralization. The statistics he presented serve as a critique of the government's approach to the agricultural sector, noting that while agriculture employs 65-70% of the rural workforce, it only contributes about 12% to the GDP. Gadkari referenced Swami Vivekananda, a revered figure in the RSS, quoting, 'Philosophy cannot be taught to someone whose stomach is empty.' His data indicates that despite agriculture being a significant source of employment, government focus appears misaligned.
Gadkari also took pride in his contributions to infrastructure development, claiming credit for initiating the Build-Operate-Transfer model for road construction. He stated that toll booth revenues currently amount to Rs 55,000 crore and are projected to rise to Rs 1.40 lakh crore soon. However, he did not address how such substantial cash flow from the economy could exacerbate poverty and unemployment. He discussed initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity and attracting investment.
On the topic of domestic investments, Gadkari mentioned that he has secured funding through Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) bonds without relying on foreign aid. He emphasized that he is not accepting funds from countries like Canada or the US, reiterating the government's goal of poverty reduction and job creation for the youth, while cautioning against economic liberalization that could lead to wealth concentration.
Gadkari's statements suggest a desire to realign the party's agenda and advocate for necessary changes. In light of the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and the ensuing military controversies, which have not significantly improved the government's public image, Gadkari's remarks—though contentious—may indicate potential political challenges ahead.